NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Cotton producers enter the 2026 season facing another year of negative margins, but tightening global supplies could eventually stabilize prices.
Economists at the National Cotton Council say the industry is coming off a fourth consecutive year of unfavorable returns, driven by weak demand and high production costs. The group projects U.S. cotton acreage at 9.0 million acres, down 3.2 percent, and production of roughly 12.7 million bales after abandonment.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Smaller supplies could support cotton prices despite weak demand.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Domestic textile use remains weak, with U.S. mills expected to consume 1.55 million bales, slightly below last year. However, exports are projected to rise as global consumption increases to 120 million bales while world production declines to 114.1 million bales. As a result, U.S. ending stocks are forecast to fall to 3.5 million bales, and global stocks outside China are forecast to drop to their lowest level since 2016.
Trade policy and global economic growth remain major uncertainties for the export-dependent cotton sector.
March 31, 2025 12:08 PM
·
March 31, 2025 11:06 AM
·
March 28, 2025 01:42 PM
·
March 27, 2025 10:51 AM
·
March 21, 2025 10:40 AM
·
In a call with reporters on Tuesday, RFD-TV News reporter Lily Raby asked Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for his opinion on Des Moines school leaders’ decisions to halt ag education programs, which also threatens the future of the city’s FFA chapter.
March 18, 2025 11:40 AM
·
In his latest Firm to Farm blog post, Roger McEowen discusses the new EPA/COE clarifications concerning WOTUS. The new measures have important implications for farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners.
March 17, 2025 01:02 PM
·
Trinity Barth and Liliann Tjaden-Duff joined us on Market Day Report to express their concerns about the future of the program that has, for 50 years, given students of all backgrounds a path to agriculture careers.
March 14, 2025 01:14 PM
·
